On 2nd April 2021 afternoon, second time I went to Baidyabati Canal to explore the entire expansion and hoping to get more closeup shots of Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Barbet and if lucky the Purple Heron. Because last time I saw a Purple Heron flying in distance. But where do they gone today. Hardly I can see any cattle egret, may be one or two here and there compared to three days ago I could spot multiple egrets in multiple places. Did they moved permanently to other places or it is the scorching sun they are avoiding. Yes the summer has arrived and my chances will be less to spot them.

With a bit of disappointment, I started exploring the canal. The canal is quiet today. It is a high tide so could be the another reason for their absence and shallow water is easier form them to catch a prey. Local people comes to this place for their evening walk. Couple of other bird enthusiasts roaming here. Looking at their face it is quite evident that they are disappointed too. I can hear forest birds twittering in the trees but difficult to take photo due to branches. Specially Oriental turtle dove, Jungle babbler, Black Dongo, Asian Koel, Indian pied Starling, Indian common starling, red vented Bulbul, red Whiskered Bulbul dominates this place.

I stopped in a shadow under a large tree and tried to look around the canal. A common kingfisher flied. Where did it go. I tried to follow its path but could not spot it further. The first thing about wildlife photography is patience. I stood there for a moment. And then I saw the Purple Heron, one of the reason I came for, sat on the other side of the canal. Yes this is the moment I was waiting for. I could see the reflection of the purple heron in the canal water. click-click-click. This mechanical sound makes me happy. Now it is a wait time for it to catch a fish or fly and hoping for another click-click-click sound. Unfortunately I started interacting with some local folks and got little distracted. And a moment I noticed the purple heron is gone. I missed it, I so much missed the moment.

I have to come back with a hope to spot it again.

Swampland along side the DvC canal in Baidyabati has become the home for various migratory and local birds throughout the year .. Cattle Egret are easily seen throughout the year in the swampland ..

@ Baidyabati DvC Canal, 29 March 2021

This planet is their home too .. Human, be little more sensitive ..

@ Baidyabati DvC Canal, 29 March 2021

Two cattle egret and a pond heron @ Baidyabati DvC Canal, 29 March 2021

Brown Shirke @ Baidyabati DvC Canal, 29 March 2021

Altreu Stork Colony, Switzerland ... Since 1948 this little village is famous for Stork colony. Even today hundreds of storks perch on the high roof farmhouses. This is 30 min walking distance towards the Aare river bank from Salzech train station .. August 2019